The mass of men live lives of quiet desperation…
Thoreau
—-
Alas for those that never sing,
But die with all their music in them….
Oliver Wendall Holmes
The other night at Red Robin I was slinging trash bags into the dumpster after a busy holiday rush of people. A line cook standing nearby with his electronic cigarette looked up to the sky and, with a shake of his head and an exhalation of smoke, commented that he hated his job.
Not an unusual comment. Not many working at Red Robin really want to be there. No one comes in overflowing with enthusiasm for starting their shift – rather, the first words out of their mouth after clocking in are usually “I don’t want to be here.” The only motivation keeping them there is the desire to earn money. When I asked that line cook what he would want to do, if he could do anything, he just shrugged and replied ‘some job that pays a lot of money’.
People pursue good grades, so they can pursue a degree, so they can pursue a career, so they can pursue money, so they can buy lots of things… ? What for? A handful of wind.
Never forget that you are not stuck where you are. There is always, always more to life than your surroundings. Don’t accept the ruts.
In this life there are things beautiful and things terrible. Heart-lifting things and sob-wrenching things.
There are times to mourn and cry, but don’t let those times rob you of the seasons of joy and sowing and growth. Don’t let the worries and anxieties steal your joy. I know Jesus said to worry sometimes but… oh wait… Well, in life there is a season for worry… that is… hmm…
You know all of the things I could tell you. Live a life unfettered. Hold nothing back. Adventure is out there, et cetera, et cetera. All you have to do is go read some inspirational graduation speech or find some lifting quotes with grand scenery on Pinterest. I don’t need to add to that clamor
Just please, please, don’t remain in the rut. Don’t be a grazing sheep, always looking down – lift your head. Don’t quench your passions.
Live life.
And yes, all of these pictures are from the newly released “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” I highly recommend the movie, if only for the gorgeous scenery.
L.E.R. Jenkins
Jan 07, 2014 @ 08:06:05
Live passionately, not passively.